You can certainly make soap with lavender oil in cold climates. The fundamental chemical processes for both cold process and melt-and-pour soap making are not negatively affected by cold ambient temperatures. In some cases, cold temperatures can even be beneficial, though they also introduce some specific considerations.
Here's how cold climates interact with making soap with lavender oil:
1. Cold Process Soap Making in Cold Climates
Cold process soap making involves mixing oils/fats with a lye solution, where the chemical reaction (saponification) generates its own heat.
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Lye Solution Cooling: In a cold climate, your lye solution (sodium hydroxide + water) will cool down faster after mixing. This can be a convenience, as you often need to wait for it to cool to a specific temperature range (e.g., 90-130°F or 32-54°C, depending on the recipe and desired outcome) before combining with oils.
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Oil Temperature: You'll still need to ensure your oils and butters are fully melted and at the correct temperature range before mixing with the lye. If hard oils (like coconut oil or shea butter) cool too much in a cold environment, they might solidify prematurely or cause a "false trace" when mixed with the lye. It's crucial that your oil mixture is liquid and clear, not cloudy, before combining.
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Scent Retention: Lavender essential oil's scent retention in cold process soap is more about the saponification process itself and the oil's volatility, rather than the ambient temperature during the initial mixing. However, a cooler environment during the curing phase (see below) might help retain more subtle top notes for longer, as evaporation is slower.
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Gel Phase and Insulation: Soapers often aim for "gel phase" (where the soap heats up and becomes translucent) during the saponification process, as it can result in brighter colors and harder bars with less "soda ash" (a white powdery film). In a cold climate or unheated soap-making space, your soap might not naturally reach gel phase, or it might only gel partially.
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Solution: You might need to actively insulate your soap molds after pouring (e.g., wrap them in towels or blankets, or place them in a cardboard box or even a turned-off oven that was preheated to a low temperature) to encourage gel phase.
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No Gel: It's important to note that ungelled soap is perfectly fine and safe to use; it just might have a more opaque, matte appearance and may take slightly longer to harden in the mold. Soda ash can also be more common on ungelled soap.
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Curing: The curing process (4-6 weeks for cold process) requires a cool, dry place with good airflow. A cold climate often provides the "cool" aspect naturally, which is beneficial for curing, as it helps the water evaporate slowly, leading to a harder, longer-lasting bar. Just ensure the curing area isn't damp, as humidity can hinder curing and cause issues.
2. Melt and Pour Soap Making in Cold Climates
Melt and pour soap making involves simply melting a pre-made soap base and adding your desired additives.
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Melting and Setting: In a cold climate, the melted soap base might cool and thicken slightly faster than in a warm climate. This means you need to work a little more quickly when adding lavender oil and pouring into molds.
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Hardening: The poured soap will harden more quickly in molds in a colder environment, reducing the waiting time before unmolding.
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Sweating: Melt and pour soap is prone to "sweating" (glycerin dew) in humid conditions. Cold, dry climates are often less humid, which can be a benefit for melt and pour soap, potentially reducing the likelihood of sweating.
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Essential Oil Addition: You still add lavender essential oil when the base is melted but slightly cooled, before pouring. The cold ambient temperature won't negatively impact the oil's integration or scent.
Summary
Making soap with lavender oil is entirely feasible and effective in cold climates. For cold process, you might need to manage temperatures more actively to encourage gel phase or prevent oils from solidifying prematurely. For melt and pour, you'll simply find the soap hardens faster. In both cases, the core effectiveness and beautiful aroma of lavender will shine through in your finished soap.
